When in doubt, pause. When in conflict, pause. When wondering how to proceed, what decision to make, or what action is right, pause first and wait. In waiting calmness arrives. In waiting turmoil recedes and clarity soon comes. Before action, before decision, allow stillness to reign. Stillness allows for sobriety to make itself known, for memory to remind, for that which is truly right and good to reassert itself. A moment of stillness might be all it takes for the right answer to come. Every day the moment for pause will come. And that will be the right action.

Remember to keep compassion in your heart for the struggles of self and others. Every journey is unique, every life equally so. It may not always be clear what your own life challenge is though that of others may clearly stand out. Find your own challenge in that which you despise or fear in others, in that which you find most annoying and most testy in life. The real challenge begins with reconciling with your feelings and discovering what they mean to you personally.

To discover one’s life challenge is to finally confront what lies behind one’s reason for living in the first place. Then one will also find one’s purpose, if one is intent upon it. Not all people, however, will find their reason for living this time around, and that has to be accepted. But if one decides that life is more than meets the eye then one will have found the true mystery of life, and a seed will have been planted.

In facing the mysteries of true reality one will discover that one’s life and one’s journey are most meaningful. And that’s a good place to begin. Remember, compassion begins with the self. And that’s a good place to begin too!

That which should change is usually obvious. What is often not so obvious is how to go about changing it. It might be quickest to turn and walk in a new direction but such action takes volition, as well as courage, and often the necessary energy to undertake such a drastic measure is lacking. So what to do? The best course of action is to first fully face the truth that such change is absolutely necessary. If one cannot leap then at least turn in a new direction and begin taking baby steps. Even babies must change, for nature does not allow them to stay babies.

All beings must mature and take responsibility for themselves. Change is really all about becoming autonomous, freeing the self of that which no longer works or has value, that which does not enhance maturity. Taking full responsibility for the self is the goal of adult life, and it is the energy behind change as well. All change is good, but self-instigated change is better. Why be forced into something when you can take control and end up feeling good? You might find that you are really good at enacting change. A life of mature responsibility is an enhanced life, and your spirit will thank you for taking the leap, even if the leaps are baby steps!

Let every act be an act of compassion and every deed worthy of copying. Lead the way by acting with loving kindness so that all who follow behind may be guided by your actions. Do this without need for compensation, material or otherwise, simply out of pureness and rightfulness of heart, for only in compassionate living and acting will compassion exist. There is no need. There is only being of good will and good intent to make a life worthwhile and beautiful.